3D Secure (3-D Secure)
A security layer in which the cardholder is verified by an additional step on the issuing bank's side during an online card payment. Verification is usually done with a one-time code sent to the phone or an approval in the bank's app, and it ties the transaction to the cardholder.
The purpose of the layer is to prevent a third party who has obtained the card details from completing the transaction. Even if the card number is correct, the payment is not authorised until the verification step on the bank side is passed; this reduces the risk of unauthorised use and links the transaction record to the cardholder.
- The verification code comes from the bank, not from the seller; do not share the code with anyone.
- If the code arrives by SMS, the phone number registered to the card must be up to date.
- If the page is closed before verification is completed, the transaction is not authorised and the order is not confirmed.
In some transactions your bank temporarily blocks the amount for authorisation purposes and releases it when the transaction is not completed; this does not mean you were charged twice. On corporate cards, additional verification rules may vary according to the bank's policy. Which security flow is applied at the payment step can be understood from the redirect screen you see on the payment page.
Context in which this term is used: contact page